Synonym Chooser

How does the verb contravene differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contravene are contradict, deny, and gainsay. While all these words mean "to refuse to accept as true or valid," contravene implies not so much an intentional opposition as some inherent incompatibility.

laws that contravene tradition

When is it sensible to use contradict instead of contravene?

While in some cases nearly identical to contravene, contradict implies an open or flat denial.

her account contradicts his

When can deny be used instead of contravene?

The words deny and contravene can be used in similar contexts, but deny implies a firm refusal to accept as true, to grant or concede, or to acknowledge the existence or claims of.

denied the charges

In what contexts can gainsay take the place of contravene?

The words gainsay and contravene are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gainsay implies disputing the truth of what another has said.

no one can gainsay her claims

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contravene Turkey sees it as contravening the Montreux Convention and its own strategic interests. Galip Dalay, Time, 19 Aug. 2025 Furthermore, your administrative decision appears to contravene the standards of care promulgated by leading professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Pediatric Endocrine Society and the Society of Pediatric Psychology. Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 24 July 2025 The Court should not permit the Fifth Circuit to continue its practice of contravening foundational equitable principles by ordering universal relief. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 Iran is the aggressor and continues to contravene the laws of war. Steven Katz, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contravene
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contravene
violate
Verb
  • Since then Russia is suspected of testing NATO’s resolve by violating the airspace of Norway, Romania, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, and now Germany too.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Though Russian craft have repeatedly violated NATO airspace during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the shootdowns over Poland represented the first time NATO had shot down Russian drones.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contravene.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contravene. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on contravene

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